🎉Exciting News! The publication of our ‘Nurture through Nature with Children’s Books’ pamphlet and the Grand Opening of the Exhibition 🎉
We are thrilled to announce the release of our beautifully crafted digital pamphlet accompanying the upcoming exhibition, Nurture through Nature with Children’s Books, opening on 1st May 2025 at the Museum of Childhood in Edinburgh! This accompanying online publication offers a heartfelt glimpse into the rich themes and stories that underpin the exhibition, and we couldn’t be more excited to share it with you.
The project brings together Edinburgh’s Museum of Childhood rich collections, insights and research of SELCIE members, and University of Edinburgh students’ reading memories to delve into the special relationship between children’s books and nature. The exhibition, running from 1st May to 7th September 2025, showcases a stunning selection of books from the Museum of Childhood collection that highlight how imaginative and factual texts evoke positive emotions, foster empathy, curiosity, and a caring connection to the natural world.
What makes this project and its publication truly special is the way it interweaves historical traditions with contemporary understanding. From fairy tales and folk stories to Victorian illustrations like Walter Crane’s enchanting flower-people, the pamphlet explores diverse visions of nature as a place of learning, healing, and wonder. It also pays homage to Scottish literary traditions, emphasizing how nature has been a constant source of inspiration and reflection across centuries.
The publication features insightful essays and highlights that connect the dots between early childhood education, outdoor exploration, and the urgent need for nature connection today — especially amid ecological challenges. For instance, we reflect on Friedrich Froebel’s pioneering ideas about nature as a nurturing environment for young children, ideas that still resonate in modern early years curricula and mental health research.
Adding a deeply personal touch, the pamphlet also shares stories from students of the University of Edinburgh, who reflect on how childhood books have connected them to nature in meaningful ways. These heartfelt memories reveal how books can be gateways to adventure, comfort, and understanding — turning simple gardens into fairy worlds or beaches into treasure islands.
This publication is more than just an exhibition guide; it’s a celebration of the enduring power of children’s literature to nurture curiosity, empathy, and resilience through nature. We invite you to explore these stories, insights, and images, and join us at the exhibition as we open the doors to a world where books and nature intertwine beautifully to inspire and heal.
Stay tuned for more updates and reflections as we embark on this exciting journey together. We look forward to welcoming you to the exhibition and sharing in the wonder of Nurture through Nature with Children’s Books!
